Iraq Launches Operation To Retake Tikrit From ISIS

An operation to retake the city of Tikrit from ISIS is underway. Backed by allied Shiite, Sunni and Iranian fighters, Iraqi security forces have launched a large-scale military offensive to recapture Saddam Hussein’s hometown.

It’s a major step in a campaign to reclaim territory in northern Iraq controlled by the militants. Early indications are that a long battle lies ahead. Forces are reportedly attacking Tikrit from different directions, backed by artillery and airstrikes by Iraqi fighter jets. Tikrit fell to the Islamic State group last summer along with the country’s second-largest city of Mosul and other areas in the country’s Sunni heartland.

ABC’s Tom Rivers joined Your Wake Up Call Tuesday morning to discuss.

Your Wake Up Call airs every weekday from 6-9 a.m. on AM 820 News in Tampa and 1190 News in Orlando.